Fresh snack shop planned for Crieff

Oct 3 2008 by Caroline Boxer, Strathearn Herald

CRIEFF could boast another sandwich bar if plans to turn a vacant James Square premises into a “sandwich shop with light cooking” get the go-ahead from Perth and Kinross.

If successful, the application, which appeared in last week’s planning applications notice - “Change of use from retail (Class 1) to a Sui Generis use, 37 James Square, Crieff...” - would see the town with a spread of eight such eateries. In case you were wondering, Sui Generis is Latin for one of its kind; it is also a planning authority buzzword used when an application doesn’t fall into one of the recognised land-use classes!

Comrie-based Paul Bowers is the man with the plan. He's been in the trade for 30 years, the last six in the Channel Islands. The Bowers have just settled in to their Comrie home and are hoping to hear from Perth and Kinross on November 6. "We want to introduce something different - burritos, tortillas, chimmichungas, and other Mexican favourites. We plan to use local produce, with the emphasis firmly on fresh."

One objection already submitted contends that the “French filled baguette shop with light cooking, ie bread, baked potatoes etc” would “cater principally for school children at lunchtime,” causing access and litter problems.

Mr Bowers says: “I don't want to step on anyone's toes, and, if successful, plan to do everything to make sure the area is kept nice and clean.”